Slow transport, isolated territories and growing inequalities: Italy risks falling behind if it doesn’t move as a whole
A nation stalled by geographic inequality
Mariagrazia Lupo Albore, General Director of Unimpresa, raises a crucial concern: Italy does not move at the same speed everywhere. And this isn’t just a figure of speech. While urban centers explore smart mobility and high-speed trains, over half of the country – the so-called inner areas – still deals with cracked roads, scarce bus lines, and outdated rail systems. But this is more than just a transport issue: it’s a question of social justice and national growth.
Mobility and fundamental rights: a broken connection
When mobility fails, it’s not only people who stop moving. Local economies freeze, schools and hospitals shut down, young people leave, and businesses can’t hire. Every kilometer of distance from major routes becomes a competitive handicap for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Yet, public policies still prioritize profitable high-traffic routes, neglecting those who need investments the most.
Rethinking strategy: cohesion must come before profit
We must move beyond “strategic infrastructures” and focus on strategic cohesion. That means reviving secondary railways, enhancing multimodal links, and ensuring minimum guaranteed transport services in rural and mountain areas. But also embracing innovation: on-demand transport, shared electric mobility, and last-mile sustainable logistics. Because being able to move means being included.
Transport is culture: where people move, society grows
Mobility is not just logistics, it’s culture, connection, and opportunity. In well-connected areas, people meet, collaborate, learn, produce. Social capital flourishes. In neglected zones, isolation deepens, inequality grows, and trust in institutions fades. Without reliable transport, even the ecological transition risks becoming a new form of exclusion for those with no alternative to private cars.
Bridging distances to move forward together
Mobility is Italy’s circulatory system. When it doesn’t reach all areas, the system weakens and sickens. Investing in transport for fragile territories means creating equal opportunities, fighting depopulation, and letting every citizen contribute to national development. Italy can only move forward if all of it moves – no one left behind.
FAQ
1. Why is mobility considered a matter of territorial justice?
Because it affects access to work, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life.
2. Which areas suffer the most from poor infrastructure?
Mainly rural, mountain, and inland regions covering over 50% of Italy.
3. How does mobility affect economic growth?
Inadequate connections hinder competitiveness, investment, and labor attraction.
4. What impact does this have on young people?
Many are forced to leave their hometowns to access education or jobs.
5. What role does mobility play in the green transition?
It’s central—abandoning cars must come with viable public transport options.
6. What is sustainable last-mile logistics?
A system to deliver goods locally with lower environmental and economic impact.
7. What are minimum guaranteed transport services?
Basic mobility services that must be ensured even in less profitable areas.
8. How are SMEs penalized?
They face higher logistics costs, delays, and challenges in workforce recruitment.
9. What is on-demand transport?
A flexible, pre-booked system serving areas where regular transit is unfeasible.
10. Why is mobility a cultural issue too?
Because it enables interaction, inclusion, and builds social and civic trust.
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